How is TLBN different from other platforms?

Most platforms that house resources like this are specific to social services or healthcare or beauty, not all encompassing.

Our approach is also at a larger, more comprehensive scale than others.

Unlike other sites, this aims to be a mutually beneficial tool for community members and businesses alike.

There is a lot of great work being done by a lot of people but the connection to community and cross pollination of queer/POC/ally owned small health, wellness and beauty businesses has not been made.

What was the inspiration for creating TLBN?

The self-care, health and beauty spaces are saturated with cis-gendered, heteronormative, white people and often times is not a safe or approachable place for those who have identities that are not represented within those groups.

As someone who values being able to engage in self care by pampering myself, relaxing or through doing things that make me feel beautiful I know how imperative it is to make sure I feel safe in those places too. It has been my own journey of trial and error and how exhausting that process was, just to find artists, providers, and businesses where I could feel safe to show up as my whole authentic self and know that my energy and wellbeing were in good hands.

TLBN is meant to be a resource to remove barriers and encourage BIPOC and LGBTQIA identifying people to indulge themselves in self love practices, because in my lived experience, we are some of the people who deserve it most.

What’s the value add for business owners to join the network?

Perks of membership include:

• Networking and cross pollination of clients/ resources/ communities

• Exposure/ marketing and engagement opportunities to highlight their business

• Access to private Geneva group chat where local news, events, popups and other networking opportunities will be posted

• Focus on exposure for small businesses

• Sharing/learning from each others problems/ solutions

• Build partnerships with likeminded entrepreneurs

What are the eligibility criteria for a business to join the network?

The criteria are as follows:

• Business must fall into the health, wellness or beauty industries

• Organization must be considered a small company

• The business must be LGBTQIA, BIPOC or ally-owned

• The organization must have a no tolerance of hate policy and be able to articulate how they maintain a safe environment for all.

What types of businesses are featured on the site?

All types of business owners who serve the health, wellness and beauty industries will be listed on the site. This includes but is not limited to the following areas: artists, cosmetic and medical aesthetics, health and fitness, food, spa services, energy healers, therapists, salons.

I’m a community member not representing a business what do I have to pay?

Nothing! this resource is meant to minimize barriers to access for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ members who are looking to explore their own self love practice. :)